In a postseason clash heavily laden with history and bad blood, the NFL Playoffs 2026 delivered an instant classic as the San Francisco 49ers stunned the defending Super Bowl champion Philadelphia Eagles, 23-19, at Lincoln Financial Field. The victory not only exorcises the demons of their previous playoff heartbreak in Philadelphia but also reshapes the NFC landscape, sending the sixth-seeded 49ers to a highly anticipated Divisional Round matchup against their bitter division rivals, the Seattle Seahawks.

McCaffrey Powers 49ers Past Defending Champs

The narrative entering the weekend focused heavily on the quarterback duel between Brock Purdy and Jalen Hurts, but it was Christian McCaffrey who ultimately stole the spotlight. The reigning Offensive Player of the Year proved why he remains the league's most dangerous weapon, accounting for two touchdowns and over 110 all-purpose yards against a stout Eagles defense.

With the 49ers trailing 19-16 late in the fourth quarter, McCaffrey orchestrated the defining moment of the game. Capping a meticulous 80-yard drive, he hauled in a screen pass, broke two tackles, and surged into the end zone for the go-ahead score with just 2:14 remaining. Christian McCaffrey stats for the day were masterful: 6 receptions for 66 yards and two scores, along with tough yardage on the ground that kept the clock moving when it mattered most.

Eagles Offense Stalls in Critical Moments

For the Philadelphia Eagles, the loss marks a bitter end to their title defense. After capturing the Lombardi Trophy in 2025, expectations were sky-high, but the offense struggled to find its rhythm against a swarming 49ers defense. Quarterback Jalen Hurts, who had been battling inconsistencies late in the season, finished 20-of-35 for 168 yards and one touchdown. Crucially, the 49ers' defense contained his rushing ability, limiting him to just 14 yards on the ground.

The game came down to one final possession. The Eagles marched to the San Francisco 21-yard line, threatening to steal the win. Facing a 4th-and-5 with 43 seconds left, Hurts looked for tight end Dallas Goedert over the middle. However, 49ers linebacker Eric Kendricks read the play perfectly, tipping the pass away to seal the 49ers vs Eagles results and silence the stunned crowd at the Linc.

Key Defensive Adjustment

San Francisco's defensive coordinator deserves credit for a game plan that neutralized Philadelphia's explosive playmakers. By deploying lighter boxes and daring the Eagles to run efficiently without Saquon Barkley breaking loose, they forced Philadelphia into uncomfortable third-and-long situations throughout the afternoon. The Eagles converted just 4 of 12 third downs, a stat that ultimately doomed their season.

Divisional Round Bracket: A Rivalry Renewed

The 49ers' victory sets the stage for a blockbuster Divisional Round. As the lowest remaining seed, San Francisco will travel to face the No. 1 seed Seattle Seahawks. This matchup reignites one of the NFL's fiercest rivalries, with the Seahawks having swept the 49ers in the regular season to claim the NFC West crown and the conference's top seed.

The upcoming Divisional Round bracket clash carries immense weight. The Seahawks, rested and playing at Lumen Field, opened as early favorites, but San Francisco's road warrior mentality—proven once again in Philadelphia—suggests another close battle. Fans looking for NFL Wild Card highlights will see a 49ers team that appears to be peaking at exactly the right time, despite entering the postseason as an underdog.

Super Bowl Odds and Playoff Picture

Following the upset, the Super Bowl odds have shifted dramatically. The 49ers, previously considered long shots as a Wild Card entry, have seen their stock rise significantly. Meanwhile, the Eagles face an offseason of questions regarding their offensive identity and roster turnover.

As the postseason field narrows, the road to the Super Bowl runs through Seattle for the NFC. For the 49ers, the job isn't done, but eliminating the defending champions has sent a clear message to the rest of the league: the road to the title still has to go through the Bay Area's finest.